CLIENT PROBLEM
Our client, a family-run business for four generations, is a frontrunner in digitalisation and Industrial Internet of Things. They have a presence that spans 68 countries and bring out solutions for all kinds of industrial automation in industries such as Mobility, Packaging, Food & Beverage and Machine & Plant Engineering.
In 2020, post the lockdown in Malaysia, their General Manager came to Malaysia for a site visit where he was supposed to assume his role. As there was no commercial role immediately available, he entered Malaysia under a tourist visa. Unfortunately, not long after, a lockdown ensued and his plans to return back to Germany were hampered.
PAIN POINTS
- Immobility in Malaysia due to changing immigration rules
- Client’s inability to apply for a work permit
- Legal issues caused by unpredictability of situation
PROPAY’S SOLUTION
In response to the uncertain train of events, the General Manager was looking for a reliable Professional Employer Services (PEO) company that could host him in Malaysia till his employment permit was registered. When Propay Partners was nominated to submit his work pass application, we made sure we had every instrument in place to make this a smooth affair. In normal circumstances, Employer Pass (EP) requirements are carried out while the applicant is outside the contract. Additionally, we also noticed that his tourist visa had expired, leading to more paperwork and further approvals to validate his stay in Malaysia. The client was getting frustrated with bureaucratic requirements and delays to his visa.
We acted swiftly even though the process spilled over a few weeks due to the pandemic. The cost of handling EP was high because of the need for special approvals but we managed it. Through Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) approvals came with long wait times and delays due to Covid restrictions. At the end of it, we were able to secure the client’s visa.
RESULT
Covid-19 had put strict travel restrictions in place and we were well aware of this situation as we manage Employee Mobility services ourselves. For the first time, we managed to secure an approval, thanks to the support of our EP specialist partner. The General Manager was relieved he was given an exception and allowed to stay in Malaysia at the same time his document processing took place. He was very thankful for having connected with us at the right time and getting his visa in order despite the crisis.
